I'll never forget the day I experienced yesterday.  I don't think anyone in our family will.  We had some very memorable moments, the kind you wish you could capture in a bottle and re-live from time to time.  I pray that the Lord will help them to stay fresh in my memory for years to come.

My husband flew his aircraft for the last time yesterday.  He will now be moving on to something different.  This old machine has been a special part of our lives for quite some time now.  It was a very bittersweet day for us all.  (I can't even begin to imagine what must have been running through his mind over the course of the day.)  I had so many fun memories rushing back, was so proud of all that he's accomplished, humbled by all that he's sacrificed, and sad that we are "already" at the last page of this chapter of our lives.

I would've given a lot to be flying with him.  Of course that's not allowed, but I still wished....  I have had the tremendous privilege of flying on the aircraft several times over the last few years, and I'll never forget that.  (I'll admit I'm sad that I'll never get to do that again.)  I do look forward to seeing what the Lord has laid out for the next chapter in our lives!  I'll just miss quite a few things about this one.  Getting my own personal fly-bys from time to time, for one.  (Thanks, Honey - you rock my world!!!)  Some of the awesome people that have been a part of this community.  The opportunity to live overseas for this job. 

I'm a bit overcome by my emotions, so I can't think real clearly right now.  But I just have to give my thanks and express my admiration for my husband.  Sweetheart, you have endured so much over these last years doing what you've been doing.  You have sacrificed in more ways than I can count.  In some ways, it seems like just yesterday that we were asking the Lord to give you this job.  Now it's done.  You have worked harder than I could ever dream, and while I would have complained constantly if I'd been in your shoes, it wasn't that often that I heard you complain.  You have served others selflessly, provided for our needs, fought to preserve our freedom and that of countless others.  I will never be able to express to you how very, very proud I am of you!  I am blessed to be your bride, and the boys are so privileged to have you as their daddy.  Your integrity through all you've experienced has been a real example to me.  I find myself at a loss for words (I know...that must seem impossible!).  I admire you more than you'll ever know.  Thanks for letting us be a part of so much of what you've done this last 6 1/2 years!  I hope that yesterday was even more special for you than it was for us.  I know I'll never forget it.  We meant what we said on the signs we held up yesterday, Love.  You ARE our HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!